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The German ‘influence’ on Li Niha, is limited only to the introduction of the ‘ö’ character in written version on Li Niha, such as in Hilinamaziönö, Muzöi, etc.

The ‘ö’ character was introduced in Nias Bible by H. Sundermann. To type in this character, hold down the Alt key and press the 0, 2, 4, and 6 characters on the keypad consecutively. An article on this can be found on clicking here.

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My husband and I have built churches in South Nias since 1997. Our first visit was in January, 1995, when a young Nias man, Analiser Halawa, who had been brought up in the Salvation Army Boy’s Home in Medan came to live and serve our language needs at the church we were serving in Medan. He took us to visit his family and his island. We fell in love with the people.

Most of the women and children in the section of Nias where we work, do not speak Indonesian. Primary and junior high schools use Nias language. The government forbids this practice but has little knowledge or concern about what goes on in Southwest Nias. One of our church members, an English teacher, is translating some of the Methodist hymns into Nias language so that the entire congregation can participate in the singing.

We plan to print this book for all our churches.

There is some controversy about this by those who say we should encourage the learning of Indonesian rather than perpetuate the use of Nias language. There is something to be said for that attitude. We took an eleven year old girl from the island to save her from being sold to an old man for his son when she reached puberty. She lost a year in school because she could not understand anything the teachers in Medan were saying. However, I love language and dialect and think they can have the advantage of both.

Analiser translates for us on the island. Dialects are different from one area to another even in South Nias. Analiser had trouble understanding some of them at first but we have been there so long, he understands them all.

Our understanding, which may be wrong, is that there is some German influence on the language - as in the “o” in Hilinamazihono.

Analiser has a degree in Mining Engineering and a masters degree in Geophysics. He handles all of our business in Indonesia and has served as a guide for one of the NGO’s since the earthquake.

What can we do for you ? This site has travel information for Nias (click “Flight Info” menu at the top of this page).

Nias Online

mark

salam,
toraya

Terima kasih atas kunjungan ke Nias Online. Sumbangan Anda dalam bentuk tulisan atau apapun kita harapkan. Silahkan kunjungi juga versi Indonesia: Situs Yaahowu di: http://niasonline.net

Redaksi

It is a unfortunate that Indonesia have to been in crisis
after crisis. Saya pingin bengeet menjadi volunteer walaupun saya perlu bayar ongkos
ke sana. Please advise me if that is possible in future.
Makasih.
Allah bless.

Thank you for visiting and your appreciation for this site.

Nias Online